Use of cold compresses such as cold water or icepacks offers relief in cases of allergic conjunctivitis. In chemical injuries irrigation with clean tap water is recommended immediately after the incident before reaching a health facility for further asses

One after the other, members of Abdul’s family of seven, except one contracted, conjunctivitis, an eye ailment popularly called ‘appollo’.

It all started with his 7-year-old son who had the eye ailment the first week he resumed school after the long vacation.

Like Abdul’s family, a number of others in Sokoto are experiencing conjunctivitis also known as ‘pink eye’.

A consultant ophthalmologist at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto, Dr Nasiru Muhammad, said it is one of the common eye ailments.

“The conjunctiva is a transparent layer overlying the white part of the eye surface and the back surface of the eyelids. It acts as a barrier to the eye surface. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of this layer as a consequence of injury or invasion by germs or allergens,” he explained.

The ophthalmologist adds that it is caused by viruses, bacteria, allergy, and injuries.

“The different types of conjunctivitis are determined by the cause. The viral and bacterial types are infections caused by germs respectively. The allergic type is subdivided into seasonal, perennial (yearround), catarrhal (vernal), and atopic conjunctivitis. The type caused by injuries include chemical and that due to direct physical injury,” Dr Muhammad said.

He highlighted the common features of conjunctivitis to include redness, tearing, discharge and mattering of lashes.

The allergic type, Dr Muhammad states, has additional itching, and discoloration of the conjunctiva increased and skin pigmentation around the eyelids.

On the prevalence rate, he said: “Findings of a research across Sokoto State reported that 5.24% of the population have conjunctivitis. This means for every 1000 persons in Sokoto State, 52 people have conjunctivitis.”

It occurs commonly during seasons with low temperatures when viral infections are easily contacted and a high pollen count during farming harvest season, he said.

According to the expert, all ages medical can be affected but children are more commonly affected followed by women due to their closeness to children.

Treatment of conjunctivitis, the consultant explains, depends on the cause. “In types caused by infections, antibiotic eye drops and ointment are usually prescribed by the health care provider. Other types require additional treatment that include eye drops and sometimes tablets to control allergic processes and inflammation.”

Could there home remedy? be Well, any the ophthalmologist has this advice: “Use of cold compresses such as cold water or ice-packs offers relief in cases of allergic conjunctivitis. In chemical injuries irrigation with clean tap water is recommended immediately after the incident before reaching a health facility for further assessment and treatment.”

The eye expert points out that persons with infectious conjunctivitis could spread the disease to other persons they come into contact with.

Minimising contact with other persons and limiting sharing utensils and other fomites could reduce the chances of spreading the disease especially the viral causes, he said.

He also advised that chemicals should be stored out of the reach of children, adding that those in occupations with risks of eye injuries are encouraged to wear protective wear at work.

Dr Muhammad also advises persons with seasonal allergy to see their ophthalmologists prior to onset of the season for medications that reduce the chances of exacerbations of their conditions during the season.

He stressed the need to avoid self-medication, sharing medicines or using eyedrops that have been used in the past.